St. Stephens first motorcycle blessing and ride set for May 19
WARWICK On Saturday, May 19, at noon, Father Angelo Micciulla (pronounced mit-chew-la), parochial vicar at Warwicks Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr, will lead a large formation of motorcycle enthusiasts on a 50-mile ride.
Just before the ride and after a short service, Pastor Rev. Michael McLoughlin and Micciulla will bless the bikes individually.
The voluntary scenic ride through the Town of Warwick will end at Murphys Tavern in Greenwood Lake.
The blessing and ride are free, but anyone wishing to come to the get-together at Murphys Tavern are asked to contribute $25 for all you can eat food and soda.
We will also have T-shirts available for the first 100 people at the party, said Micciulla, who will be riding his Victory Cross Country Tour machine.
Micciulla, a native of Staten Island, studied for the priesthood at St. Josephs Seminary in Yonkers, where he received his masters of divinity degree. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in 2005.
It may seem unusual for a Catholic priest to be interested in motorcycles but for Micciulla its not just his favorite hobby. He is also the chaplain of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Shamrocks Motorcycle Club.
Originally founded as a club for Federal Law Enforcement Officers, the Shamrocks, headquartered in Vermont, now has membership containing and open to all United States law enforcement officers without regard to level of government. The nonprofit organization is designed to promote brotherhood between all members of the law enforcement community and support organizations that assist with law enforcement.
For additional information about the first annual motorcycle blessing and ride, contact Micciulla at 986-4028.